What to See in Azerbaijan Besides Baku: 10 Places You'll Never Forget

Most travelers visiting Azerbaijan for the first time spend the majority of their trip in Baku. And that's perfectly understandable. The capital impresses visitors with its modern skyline, the historic Old City, museums, seaside boulevard, excellent restaurants, and vibrant atmosphere. However, once you leave the city behind, you quickly realize that Azerbaijan has much more to offer than its capital alone.

Within just a few hours, the scenery changes dramatically. Semi-desert landscapes give way to dense forests, the Caspian coastline is replaced by the towering peaks of the Greater Caucasus, and ancient cities alternate with remote mountain villages where traditions have remained unchanged for centuries.

In a single journey, you can discover crystal-clear alpine lakes, subtropical forests, waterfalls, mud volcanoes, medieval fortresses, highland settlements, and the world's only health resort that uses therapeutic oil as part of medical treatment. That is why so many visitors return to Azerbaijan again and again. Every new trip reveals a completely different side of the country.

We've selected ten destinations that best showcase Azerbaijan beyond Baku. If you'd like to experience the country's true character, these are the places where your journey should begin.

Naftalan – the world's only therapeutic oil resort

Some destinations simply have no equivalent anywhere else in the world, and Naftalan is one of them. Located in western Azerbaijan, this small town has gained international recognition thanks to its unique therapeutic naphthalan oil. Unlike conventional petroleum, it is not used as fuel. Instead, it is valued for its healing properties and has been used in medical treatments for decades.

Every year, thousands of visitors travel here to receive therapy for joint disorders, spinal conditions, skin diseases, peripheral nervous system disorders, and post-traumatic rehabilitation. Today, Naftalan is much more than a medical resort. Modern health resorts combine professional treatment with comfortable accommodation, spa facilities, swimming pools, wellness programs, and excellent hospitality.

Another advantage is its convenient location. From Naftalan, you can easily visit Ganja, Göygöl National Park, and several other attractions in western Azerbaijan, making it easy to combine wellness with sightseeing.

If you're considering a health-focused holiday, be sure to explore our complete guide to Naftalan and compare the best Naftalan sanatoriums to find the treatment program that suits your needs.

Sheki – where history comes alive

If you want to experience Azerbaijan's rich history, Sheki should be at the top of your itinerary. Nestled at the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, this charming city has preserved its unique atmosphere, traditional architecture, and centuries-old heritage.

The city's most famous landmark is the Palace of the Sheki Khans. Even visitors with little interest in history are amazed by its extraordinary stained-glass windows known as shebeke. These intricate wooden mosaics were assembled without a single nail or drop of glue, making them one of Azerbaijan's greatest architectural masterpieces.

But Sheki offers much more than its palace. Wander through its cobbled streets, visit the historic caravanserai that once welcomed merchants traveling along the Silk Road, relax in a traditional tea house, and don't miss the opportunity to taste the city's famous Piti stew and authentic Sheki baklava.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sheki deserves more than just a day trip. Spending a couple of days here allows you to fully appreciate its peaceful atmosphere and remarkable cultural heritage. Our detailed Sheki travel guide covers everything you need to know before your visit.

Gabala – where nature takes center stage

Some destinations are famous for museums or historical monuments. Gabala is different. People come here primarily for its breathtaking natural beauty.

As you drive away from Baku, mountains gradually replace the plains, forests become denser, and the air noticeably cooler. It is no surprise that Gabala has become one of Azerbaijan's most popular destinations for outdoor recreation.

Families appreciate its peaceful atmosphere and excellent infrastructure, while adventure seekers come for hiking trails, cable cars, mountain routes, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Greater Caucasus. Photographers particularly enjoy the region's ever-changing landscapes throughout the year.

Spring transforms the valleys into lush green scenery with powerful waterfalls, while autumn covers the forests in spectacular shades of gold, orange, and crimson. Every season offers a completely different experience.

Although many visitors arrive on day trips, Gabala deserves at least two days. There is simply too much to explore beyond the standard tourist attractions. Our complete Gabala guide includes recommended itineraries, attractions, and practical travel tips.

Shahdag – Azerbaijan's mountain paradise

Many travelers are surprised to discover that Azerbaijan is home to a world-class mountain resort. Shahdag has long outgrown its reputation as a winter-only destination. Today, it attracts visitors throughout the year, with each season revealing a different side of the region.

During winter, Shahdag becomes one of the Caucasus' leading ski resorts, offering perfectly groomed slopes, modern lifts, equipment rentals, and professional ski schools. Yet once the snow melts, the landscape transforms completely.

The white mountain slopes give way to green alpine meadows, making the area ideal for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, quad biking, and scenic cable car rides. The breathtaking views across the Greater Caucasus Mountains alone are worth the journey.

Even if you're not interested in outdoor activities, Shahdag offers something equally valuable: fresh mountain air, peaceful surroundings, and unforgettable scenery. It's the perfect escape from busy city life.

Before your trip, be sure to read our complete Shahdag travel guide for seasonal recommendations and useful travel tips.

Gobustan – a journey 10,000 years into the past

Just an hour's drive from Baku lies one of Azerbaijan's most remarkable historical sites. At first glance, Gobustan may seem like an ordinary rocky landscape, but hidden among its cliffs are thousands of ancient petroglyphs that tell the story of humanity's earliest inhabitants.

Some of these rock carvings are more than ten thousand years old. They depict hunting scenes, animals, boats, rituals, and everyday life, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric civilization.

Before exploring the archaeological reserve, it's worth visiting the modern museum, whose interactive exhibits help visitors better understand the significance of the site and the people who once lived here.

Gobustan is also famous for another natural phenomenon. Just a short drive away are Azerbaijan's legendary mud volcanoes. The country is home to nearly half of all mud volcanoes on Earth, making this one of the few places where visitors can witness bubbling craters and surreal lunar-like landscapes.

Whether you're passionate about archaeology, geology, or simply looking for something truly unique, Gobustan is an essential stop. Our detailed Gobustan guide provides everything you need to plan your visit.

Lankaran – a completely different side of Azerbaijan

Travel south, and Azerbaijan begins to change dramatically. Dry plains gradually disappear, replaced by lush forests, tea plantations, citrus orchards, and subtropical vegetation. Lankaran feels like an entirely different country.

The region enjoys one of Azerbaijan's mildest climates, thanks to its location between the Caspian Sea and the Talysh Mountains. As a result, greenery surrounds you almost year-round.

Lankaran is also one of the country's culinary highlights. Fresh fish, aromatic rice dishes, local herbs, homemade preserves, and tea grown in nearby plantations make every meal memorable.

Beyond the city itself, visitors can explore Hirkan National Park, natural hot springs, waterfalls, and picturesque mountain villages where traditional lifestyles have remained largely unchanged.

If you're looking to discover a quieter, greener, and more authentic Azerbaijan, Lankaran deserves a place on your itinerary. Our comprehensive travel guide covers the region's top attractions and recommended routes.

Khinalig – a village above the clouds

Some destinations are unforgettable long before you arrive, and Khinalig is one of them. The drive itself is an adventure, winding through dramatic mountain roads with spectacular panoramic views around every corner.

Perched more than 2,000 meters above sea level, Khinalig is considered one of Europe's highest continuously inhabited villages. Despite growing tourism, it has preserved its ancient traditions, unique language, and distinctive way of life.

The stone houses are built directly into the mountainside, often in terraces where one home's roof serves as the courtyard for the house above. Walking through the narrow streets feels like stepping back several centuries.

People don't come to Khinalig for luxury hotels or entertainment. They come to experience authentic mountain culture, breathtaking landscapes, and a peaceful atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Azerbaijan.

If you enjoy discovering remote destinations and spectacular scenery, Khinalig is a place you'll remember long after your journey ends.

Lahij – where ancient craftsmanship still thrives

Lahij is one of Azerbaijan's most charming mountain villages and a living museum of traditional craftsmanship. Life here has changed remarkably little over the centuries.

As you stroll through its cobbled streets, you'll hear the rhythmic sound of hammers coming from copper workshops. Local artisans continue producing handcrafted trays, teapots, plates, lamps, and decorative items using techniques passed down through generations.

Beyond its workshops, Lahij captivates visitors with its traditional stone houses, wooden balconies, narrow streets, and scenic mountain surroundings. The village offers a peaceful atmosphere that's perfect for slow exploration.

If you're searching for an authentic souvenir rather than a mass-produced gift, Lahij is one of the best places in Azerbaijan to find handcrafted treasures created by local masters.

Göygöl – Azerbaijan's most beautiful mountain lake

Photographs of Lake Göygöl often look too perfect to be real. Yet seeing the lake in person is even more impressive.

Formed nearly nine hundred years ago after a powerful earthquake blocked a mountain river, Göygöl is now considered one of Azerbaijan's natural treasures. Its crystal-clear turquoise water reflects the surrounding forests and mountains with remarkable clarity.

The lake lies within Göygöl National Park, where well-maintained walking paths allow visitors to enjoy the peaceful scenery throughout the year. Spring brings lush greenery, summer offers refreshing mountain air, and autumn paints the forests in brilliant shades of gold and red.

Rather than rushing through your visit, take your time. Sit by the shore, enjoy the silence, and appreciate one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.

Göygöl is often combined with visits to Ganja or Naftalan, making it an easy addition to any itinerary.

Khizi's Rainbow Mountains – landscapes unlike anywhere else

At first glance, many people assume photographs of Khizi's Rainbow Mountains were taken in Iceland or the American Southwest. Surprisingly, these extraordinary landscapes lie just a short drive from Baku.

Over millions of years, minerals have colored the hillsides in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, gray, and pink. As sunlight changes throughout the day, the colors constantly shift, creating an ever-changing natural masterpiece.

Unlike many famous attractions, the Rainbow Mountains remain relatively undiscovered. Visitors can enjoy the scenery without large crowds, making it one of Azerbaijan's best locations for photography and peaceful exploration.

Many travelers combine this trip with nearby Mount Beshbarmag, creating a full-day route through one of the country's most unique landscapes.

Azerbaijan is a country you'll want to return to

No single journey is enough to truly discover Azerbaijan. Baku offers a wonderful introduction, but the country's true diversity begins far beyond the capital.

Ancient towns, mountain villages, alpine lakes, national parks, subtropical forests, and world-famous health resorts all offer completely different experiences. Every region has its own landscapes, traditions, cuisine, and atmosphere.

The ideal itinerary begins with a few days in one of Baku's hotels, followed by a journey through the country's diverse regions. Travelers looking to combine sightseeing with wellness should also consider spending several days in one of the Naftalan sanatoriums, where modern medical treatments are combined with comfortable accommodation.

Perhaps Azerbaijan's greatest strength lies in its diversity. Within just a few hours, the scenery, climate, and culture can change completely. That's exactly why so many visitors return again and again, discovering new places with every trip.